**Job Description** The Aerospace Paint Lab Lead is responsible for overseeing all paint preparation and coating operations within the lab environment, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution of daily production activities. This role leads both 1st and 2nd shift operations, assigns daily work, maintains operational continuity between shifts, and serves as the technical subject matter expert for aerospace coating processes. The Paint Lab Lead drives safety, quality, schedule adherence, and continuous improvement while mentoring staff and supporting cross-functional program needs. The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management. **What You ll Do:** Key Responsibilities - Operational Leadership: + Oversee all paint, coating, and surface preparation operations. + Assign and delegate daily work based on production priorities and staffing. + Ensure execution of the Daily Management System and perform required Leader Standard Work. + Maintain operational continuity and clear communication between 1st and 2nd shifts. + Foster teamwork, accountability, and a positive, professional team culture. + Hold personnel accountable for safety, quality, and schedule performance. Technical & Program Support: + Serve as subject matter expert for aerospace paint and prep processes. + Work closely with program personnel to support production requirements and technical needs. + Read, interpret, and execute technical processes in accordance with specifications and work instructions. + Assist in development and refinement of process specifications, work standards, and best practices. + Inspect and verify completed work to ensure compliance with aerospace requirements. Safety & Compliance: + Safely handle lab chemicals, hazardous materials, and hazardous waste. + Ensure all operations comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. + Promote and enforce proper PPE usage and safe chemical handling practices. Equipment & Facility Support: + Assist with maintenance, preventative maintenance, and operational readiness of paint booths and lab equipment. + Coordinate troubleshooting and escalation of equipment issues as needed. Training & Team Development: + Train, mentor, and support onboarding of new technicians. + Provide input for annual performance reviews. + Support skill development and cross-training initiatives. Documentation & Systems: + Maintain required process logs, materials tracking, and production documentation. + Maintain accurate employee training and compliance records. + Demonstrate advanced proficiency in company ERP systems and assist technicians with system usage. + Support data accuracy and traceability requirements. Cross-Functional Collaboration: + Work closely with the Metal Finish Lab to coordinate workflow and process sequencing. + Support cross-department communication to ensure smooth production flow. + Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and problem-solving efforts. Environment: + Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule. + Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment. + Perform other duties as necessary. **On-Site Work Environment:** This position requires regular in-person engagement by working **on-site five days** each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required. **Working Conditions:** + Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor. + Regular exposure to chemicals, coatings, and industrial equipment. + Must be able to wear required PPE including respirators when necessary. **Required Education, Experience, & Skills** + High School diploma or equivalent plus 6 years or more related experience. + Each higher-level related degree, i.e., Bachelor s or Master s, may substitute for two years of related experience. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education. + Experience in aerospace paint, coatings, finishing, or related manufacturing environment. + Demonstrated leadership or lead technician experience in a production or lab setting. + Knowledge of hazardous chemical handling and safety requirements. + Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and process documentation. + Organizational, communication, and team leadership skills. + Experience using ERP or manufacturing execution systems. \#LI-SW2 A DoW Interim Secret clearance will be required to start work and required to be maintained to continue work. Higher level clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access. **Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills** + Aerospace coatings certification or equivalent industry experience. + Experience supervising multi-shift operations. + Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience. + Experience working with paint booths, curing systems, and surface prep equipment. **Pay Information** Full-Time Salary Range: $87260 - $139617 Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience. Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20 hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics. **Technical Specialist Senior - Aerospace Paint Lab Lead** **121725BR** EEO Career Site Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities . females . veterans . individuals with disabilities . sexual orientation . gender identity . gender expression